Whisstock takes to the water

On the 4th May 2019 the Woodbridge Coastal Rowing Club came alive. The recently formed committee and first handful of members celebrated when the newly built St Ayles Skiff was named and launched for the very first time.

The naming ceremony was introduced by Pete Clay from the Woodbridge Riverside Trust and Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company and then led by Sue Cox, daughter of Claude Whisstock who previously owned the Whisstock’s Boat Building site where the skiff has been lovingly built. The committee, crews and other visitors raised a glass at the appropriate moment when the boat and river were blessed to

Pete Clay and Sue Cox conducting the naming ceremony

‘Whissock’ was adorned with a traditional wreath and named using something fizzy by Sue Cox

The formal ceremony for everyone to follow

Once named ‘Whisstock’ was launched on the river Deben for the first time, accompanied by the Blakeney CRC in their own St Ayles Skiff, the ‘Hoo Canoo’ made by Just 42 and also launched on the same day and Sae Wylfing the half length Sutton Hoo Ship crewed by the Deben Rowing Club.

‘Whisstock’ being launched for the first time

First outing coxed by Julian Taylor, WCRC Captain

“Whisstock’ on one of many fly passes to please the crowds

Mike Pratt, WCRC Chair helping to cast off Sae Wylfing

Deben Rowing Club members in Sae Wylfing with ‘Whisstock’ and the Blakeney Rowing Club in the distance

Jacq Barnard, WCRC Founder Member steering Sae Wylfing with ‘Whisstock’ and the Blakeney CRC in the background

Cathie Taylor, WCRC Secretary addressing the onlookers at the ceremony